The village is located on the border between the Alessandria plain and the first hills of Monferrato, on the right bank of the Belbo stream, in a proudly unspoiled natural setting.
Its history stretches back over a thousand years, as evidenced by Neolithic archaeological finds, but the village is above all a witness to centuries of wars and uprisings, particularly during the feudal era. Originally enclosed by walls, parts of the fortifications remain today, including two towers topped with Ghibelline-style swallowtail battlements within the small urban area.
Outside the walls stands the ancient 12th-century Church of San Pietro, one of the oldest places of worship in the region. Severely damaged over time and by the earthquake of 2000, the small church features a fresco of St. Peter on a boat on its plastered façade, while the interior consists of a single nave. Archaeological excavations on site have uncovered numerous artifacts, including burials and a Roman sarcophagus, now displayed in the atrium of the town hall.
The most important building is the Palazzo dei Marchesi, also known as the Palazzo Marchionale, built in 1663. Purchased and restored by set designer and painter Carlo Leva, the palace is now a private residence and houses an intriguing collection of film memorabilia from the artist, who collaborated on over 120 films with prominent directors such as Dino Risi, Dario Argento, and Sergio Leone. Among the highlights are the set designs for The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Clint Eastwood’s iron armor worn in A Fistful of Dollars. The palace boasts period decorations and furnishings, along with a 4,390-square-meter inner courtyard dotted with centuries-old trees. Since Leva’s death in 2020, the palace has been open to the public on special occasions, as listed on the municipality’s website.
The people of Bergamasco are deeply rooted in tradition and committed to the authenticity of their local products, foremost among them the truffles that abound in this area, celebrated each year with a dedicated fair.
